The next iteration to the Nintendo Switch, possibly a next-gen model, has supposedly been leaked. Specifically, a cyberattack launched on NVidia has unearthed info on a possible Switch Pro or Switch 2 model currently in the works.
Switch 2 and DLSS
The leak is an Nvidia DLSS driver source code that mentions NVN2. This is significant for two fundamental reasons. Firstly, NVN is the codename for Nintendo Switch—and the "2" in front is considered a dead giveaway to a next-gen model.
Then there's the second detail being the DLSS or Deep Learning Super Sampling to consider.
This is a patented Nvidia API that utilizes AI (artificial intelligence) to improve resolutions in games--something that was constantly brought up in previous leaks for an upgraded Switch model (Switch Pro).
Unfortunately, that's all that can be gathered from the leak. But it raises anticipation for a follow-up to the console.
Switch Pro vs Switch 2
The latest leak, along with others before it has formed a fissure, splitting the Switch speculation thread right down the middle.
On the one hand, some analysts recently forecast that there will be a next-gen model in the next two years instead of a new model this year. Ampere analyst Piers Harding-Rolls predicts that Nintendo will maintain a strong lead in console sales this year thanks to the recently released OLED mode.
On the other hand, sources close to Bloomberg believe a Switch Pro model is bound for this year. However, Nintendo denies the claim, going as far as to issue a state that it has no plans to release any new model after the OLED model. Additionally, the company revealed that the console is only halfway into its life cycle a year ago.
Switch 2 seems more likely
If Nintendo can be taken for its word, then the possibility of a next-gen model seems like the safer bet at this point, considering all the factors. This scenario is plausible considering the leak came from a cyberattack on Nvidia, the manufacturer of the Switch's chipset. Then the DLSS source code lines up with the rumors and leaks prior to this one.
And finally, Nintendo's incredible success with the current Switch models. In fact, sales have reached well above 100 million units worldwide—even surpassing Wii sales.
Again, it's preferable to treat the details from the leak as skepticism for now especially given how absurdly inaccurate some leaks have been in the past. Furthermore, although the source code may appear to be from Nvidia, the leak might not necessarily pertain to a new model but rather a software upgrade grade to the existing hardware. Only time will tell.
